Etiquette for accident scene photography?

[FlipsidE]

So, I leave tonight to head over to Blockbuster Video (bout a half mile away from my place). As soon as I turn out onto the main street, I see flashing lights. Seems that there must have been a rather large wreck there not too terribly long ago. I believe it was a Firetruck and an Ambulence there. This is one of the busiest streets in town with...four lanes with two lanes completely blocked, so there is a supermarket strip mall parking lot slammed with cars backed up all the way to the road right now.

As I pull away to head home (going a different way to get home), I realized that this would have been a great photo opportunity. I don't want to make light of what happened or grab any photos of anyone who might be wounded. But, to get a few shots of emergency crews in action would be nice.

I'm sure by the time I get all the info I need, the wreck will have already been cleaned up and gone. But, for future reference, what is the etiquette for accident scene photography? Do I just walk up and start takin photos? Is it best to ask someone first? If so, who do I look for to ask? I'm not with the press, so of course I wouldn't have a press pass. And, I'm not sure if an amateur photographer with a DRebel, a 50mm f/1.8, and a 420EX flash would be looked on so well in the midst of an accident like this.

Anyway, any info would be great!

Thanks in advance

FlipsidE

[mbze430]

Well I have 2 friends that are in the force here in LA. Both doesn't like the idea of people coming to a scene and start taking pictures. Unless you are with the forensic team. You can ask for the person who is in charge at the scene if you are allowed to shoot the crew (usually not, because they are on scene with an emergency).

[FlipsidE]

^^^
That's kinda what I figured...hence the reason I came here to ask first before grabbin my camera and making my way out there.

Thanks for the advice!

FlipsidE

[mbze430]

Oh I forgot to mention, you can request with your local department. Just give them something like you are working on a project and need footage. As long as you give them advance notices they might work something out with you.

[steven]

But if you are taking pictures in a public place, of a public scene, not interfering with the officers/medic work I don't think there is a law against it.

[Tom W]

Probably no law, but I'd be sure to stay way out of the way of both the emergency personnel and others. If you even look like you're in the way or acting in a menacing manner, they'll find some obscure law to use to detain you. Or they might just snarl at you and tell you to leave.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

But if you are taking pictures in a public place, of a public scene, not interfering with the officers/medic work I don't think there is a law against it.

As much as I agree with this, the question was etiquette.

I prefer to be on a good basis with the local law enforcement. As well, there are cerain privacy issues of those involved to be considered.

It is valid journalism and it is unlikely that they would arrest, but there would be some heavy hassels from the responders on the scene.

[FlipsidE]

Tom,

That's one of my bigger problems. Sun had already completely set and the only decent zoom lens I have is the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5. f/4.5 at 105 is REALLY tight for night shots even with direct flash usingmy 420EX. I was going to have to shoot with my 50mm f/1.8 which would have caused me to have to stand up very close.

FlipsidE

[Avalonthas]

you dont need any pass to shoot a public accident scene involcing emergency services, as long as you dont cross any police tape or official barriers then you can shoot away.

However you have to show respect and give them some distance, dont get in there way, preferably get a zoom lens or a good prime so u can take shots from more of a distance so u dont have to get in everyone nose. Also if your not the paparatzi, show some humanity when it comes to the emergency crews removing bodies and stuff. Dont take pics of a mutilated body, let it go, take shots only of the face if neccessary on the ambulance stretcher but dont take any nasty shots, i just dont find that good etiquette

[FlipsidE]

Avalonthas,

Thanks for the info. I hadn't planned to...nor do I want to take any pictures of any injured people. I honestly just wanted to grab some shots of the rescue crew in action (hopefully not really revealing anyone directly involved in the accident). I definitely need a longer and faster lens. Thing is, these kinds of things happen so rarely that I'm not sure it's worth investing in a very fast zoom lens (like the 70-200 f/2.8 ). Though a prime somewhere in that range may not be as expensive.

Thanks again!

FlipsidE

[Tom W]

200 f/2.8 is about the best bet for inexpensive long primes.

[RogCincy]

I would also try to limit the use of your flash. If you can get enough ambient light from the lighting of the scene that would be best. A view from the other side... You don't want to have your flash go off while someone is trying to determine the rythm of someone's heart nor do you want your flash to go off right as the medic is sticking someone with a needle.

Be aware of your surroundings. If it is a large scene try and at least see if the is a PIO designated or find out who the IC is.

PIO : Public Information Officer
IC : Incident Commander

[Mills]

Accident scenes are very different. First of all, unless you know what you are doing, you are putting not only yourself but the emergency crews in danger. They need to focus on the rescue/extrication/treatment of the victims. You do not want them to be distracted by you, so be mindful.

These scenes can also be very graphic, much more than a fire scene. Be very careful what you do with pictures of the victims, think if you would like to see yourself in such a vulnerable position.

That being said, concentrate on the rescue crews, their work and their tools.

[psk4363]

As a UK police traffic sergeant with many years of experience at accident scenes I can say with some confidence that provided:-

a) you don't enter the immediate scene area (usually coned or taped off),
b) you do not interfere with the emergency services at the scene,
c) you have due regard and respect for the privacy of the unfortunate accident victims who, more often than not, are either physically injured or in shock,
d) comply immediately with instructions from the emergency services,

then you will be OK. However disregard any of the above and, well, you may self-deprive yourself of you liberty.

As people have already said it costs nothing to ask a cop at the scene before taking any images.

Cheers,
Barry

[Adekeyser]

Well as a Police Officer for almost ten years there are two ways of looking at this.

First if you are there before they get there you may get information that may be destroyed. But you might put yourself in danger. If the person(s) involved do not want pictures taken they could get dangerous. Example a DUI driver that is trying to leave the scene. Basically use common sense.

Second if you have picture you could end up in court as a witness for either party and that can be a pain.

In other words be careful